As the turtle laying season commenced with our first nest on December 23, 2024, our commitment at the Ocean Sole TurtleSafe Project is renewed with vigor and dedication. Over the past year, our team's efforts on Bofa Beach have marked significant strides in the protection and survival of sea turtles in Kilifi.
In 2024, we witnessed the protection of six nests, celebrated the success of our first Hawksbill turtle nest with a 76% success rate, and mourned the loss of nine turtles to poaching. Despite these challenges, our resolve only strengthens as we continue to fight against the threats that endanger these magnificent creatures. For a deeper insight into what drives our mission, read about the origin of TurtleSafe in the personal reflection of Thomas Sagimo, our Impact Manager, here.
Our Guarded Treasures
We focus on the protection of three significant turtle species (click here for a diagram to help differentiate these species):
The Green Sea Turtle: Known for their large size and predominantly herbivorous diet, these turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems.
The Hawksbill Turtle: Easily recognized by their striking shell patterns, these turtles are crucial for maintaining the health of coral reefs.
The Olive Ridley Turtle: The smallest of the sea turtles we protect, and we are eagerly anticipating the discovery of our first Olive Ridley nest in Kilifi.
Our Mission for 2025: Reduce Poaching and Expand Our Reach
Looking ahead to 2025, our mission is clear: to dramatically reduce poaching incidents and expand our conservation reach along the Kenyan coast. Some local Kenyans eat turtles due to traditional beliefs that turtle meat can prolong life and cure ailments, and because it provides a source of income and food in times of scarcity. By enhancing our cooperation with local communities, improving food security (read about our Reef 2 Roots initiative) and strengthening our ranger program, we aim to safeguard more turtles and ensure that every nesting turtle returns safely to the ocean.
Engaging the Community and Empowering Local Fishermen
Engagement with local fishermen has been pivotal. By hiring fishermen as TurtleSafe Rangers, we have turned potential poachers into protectors of wildlife. This transformation not only aids in conservation but also provides sustainable livelihoods, reducing the economic incentive to engage in poaching.
Overcoming Challenges
The past year has taught us valuable lessons about the threats posed by poaching and marine debris. Plastic pollution continues to be a significant barrier for baby turtles trying to reach the ocean, and our weekly beach clean-ups have become more crucial than ever. Through these efforts, we not only clear the path for our sea turtle hatchlings but also raise awareness about the broader impacts of ocean pollution.
The Journey from Nest to Sea
Sea turtle eggs typically take about 45-60 days to hatch, depending on the species and environmental conditions. This miraculous process begins when a female turtle makes her way to the beach, her birthplace, to lay her eggs. She carefully buries them in the sand, where they incubate safely away from predators.
Once the hatchlings emerge, their journey to the sea is fraught with challenges. They must navigate a treacherous path from the nest to the water, avoiding natural predators like birds and crabs. Human activities add further obstacles: artificial lighting can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the sea, and plastic pollution can entrap them or be mistaken for food. Despite these daunting challenges, the instinctive trek to the ocean is critical for their survival, as it marks the beginning of their solitary life in the vast seas.
Looking Forward
Our dedication is fueled by every nest protected, every turtle saved from poachers, and every community member who joins our cause. As we advance our efforts, we also plan to enhance our resources—more rangers, better equipment, and extended patrols are just the beginning.
Join us in protecting Kilifi's sea turtles from threats like poaching and pollution. Follow our efforts on Instagram @OceanSole for updates and consider supporting us with a donation. Every contribution makes a difference as we aim to make 2025 a landmark year for turtle conservation. Donate now.
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